5 United Fans Stabbed as Reds Draw in Rome
| 13
|
by Jgiuffra
Manc Yank’s Red Review
Let me start by saying none of the victims were critically injured by the Roman Ultras. It is not the Roman way to try to kill your enemy with a knife but to embarrass them with it. That is why, without exception, all the victims were stabbed in the arse or ass if you prefer. Evidently, it makes you bleed very badly at the time, causes pain for many weeks that you experience…well I guess you can imagine when you experience it, and is very rarely fatal. Many people feel that Roma should be sanctioned for their fans’ behaviour not just fined. I’m not trying to say that Manchester United fans are saints. Far from it. Many do like to fight, taunt, chant, throw things, etc. etc. etc. But do they deserve to be stabbed? Maybe some City and Liverpool fans might think so, but they don’t do it!
The fact is that Rome has become a notoriously dangerous venue for English and other European teams over the past few years. Remember last year when 11 fans were injured in the quarter final match between United and Roma? Some fans from Middlesbrough were also stabbed last year in the Italian capitol when they were there to play Lazio. Because of the consistency of the incidents something must be done beyond the usual fine or making the club play to empty stands. None of that has worked, so it’s time to try something different. Maybe a ban of a couple of years from UEFA competitions would calm the Ultras down. UEFA should even consider moving the venue of the 2008/9 Champions League final from the Olympic Stadium as a punishment for the city’s inability to control the crowds. Needless to say, something drastic must be done to protect travelling fans in the Eternal City.
Inside the ground it was very peaceful by all accounts. There was a vast sea of empty seats on both sides of the travelling Red army to aid in protecting them from the police and the crowd.
Fergie put out a team of mostly kids as there was nothing to play for as United had already qualified for the knock-out stages as group winner. The back 4 had Gerard Pique and Jonny Evans in the centre with Danny Simpson and John O’Shea on the wings. The midfield had a bit more experience in it with Carrick and Fletcher playing together in the middle with Nani and Eagles on the flanks. The Captain for the day, Wayne Rooney played with Saha up front until our chubby friend from Liverpool made way for Fanzhuo Dong after 70 minutes.
The game was pretty open with both sides creating scoring chances. United took the lead on 34 minutes when the Pique headed home from a Nani corner. Roma could have equalised before the break when Mancini smashed his close range effort off the bar, but United managed to get to the half with a one goal lead.
Mancini scored the equaliser on 69 minutes when he was given far too much time on the ball in the United box. He shimmied past the substitute Wes Brown and dipped the ball passed the Polish stopper Tomas Kuszczak. It was a nice finish from the Brazilian forward. There were chances at both ends in the last 20 minutes but neither side could capitalise on the opportunities when they came so the game ended in a draw. Both sides were fairly satisfied with the result. United a bit happier because they were away from home and the youthful back 4 did their job putting the earlier result they had against Coventry in the Carling cup well and truly behind them.
NOTES:
United have a massive trip to Anfield this weekend. It looks Sir Alex has no new injury worries so he should be able to have his pick of first team men to make the trip to Merseyside. The only question mark is John O’Shea who picked up a groin strain in Rome. I’m not so sure he’d be in the starting 11 anyway but he always a good utility player to have in the squad.
Ryan Giggs was given an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to football by the Queen on Tuesday. The only United record left for him to break is Bobby Charlton’s appearance record of 759. Giggs has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of 2009. With 736 appearances already if he stays healthy he should break that record before long.
It looks like Chelsea will stick with their new Israeli guru Avram Grant. He has just signed a four year contract at Stamford Bridge. It’s your money Roman. Lets see how he gets on in the Arsenal derby at the Emirates on Sunday. Let's hope he can eek out a draw at least.
Barring any last minute contract negotiation snafus Fabio Capello will become England’s next manager making at least £4.5 million a year. That’s a lot scungili for any one man for a part-time job. Ex-Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola will be his #2. I’m not so sure about the appointment. England doesn’t seem to run interviews the way they do in the normal world. It is usual that a company would see all the prospective candidates before making an offer to the most qualified. After Mourinho’s rebuff last week, the FA jumped straight into bed with their #2 choice again. I hope the language barrier doesn’t cause too many problems.
I think there should be a rule that England can only play 4-4-2…just a thought.
Until next time…..C’mon you Reds!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys will have the advantage over Chelsea that's for sure. It will be tough if you don get Fabregas, Hleb or Flamini back from injury. If you get 2 out of the three I think you guys will win..as much as I hate to say it.
Liverpool are very confident after their win against Marsailles. They seem to forget that Marsailles are in the bottom half of the French League and are sinking fast. Whatever. It's always a struggle at Anfield and Sunday will be no different. I can't help feeling that we'll get a result.